This is all on top of the initial costs of getting a dog including the price of the dog (consider a shelter dog), vet check, vaccinations, bedding, food and water bowls etc.

If you’re thinking of getting a cat, you’ll be up for the same sorts of expenses (although generally because cats are smaller than dogs, there are cost savings).

Although Australia has a very high proportion of pet ownership (there are more dogs and cats in Australia than humans!) the incidence of pet ownership seems to be declining a little, and cost does appear to be one of the factors. There are ways of saving money owning a pet, but you need to remember to keep these costs in mind.

Of course, there are benefits (including costs benefits) to owning a pet. For example: